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Place Rimbaud: Djibouti's Vibrant Marketplace

Experience the vibrant heart of Djibouti at Place Rimbaud: a bustling marketplace, cultural hub, and transportation center all in one.

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Place Rimbaud, officially known as Place Mahmoud Harbi, is the bustling heart of Djibouti City. This vibrant marketplace offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, providing an immersive experience into Djiboutian culture and daily life. Dominated by the iconic Hamoudi Mosque, it's a must-see for any visitor.

A brief summary to Place Rimbaud

  • H4RW+F8F, Djibouti, DJ

Local tips

  • Bargain with vendors for the best prices; it's part of the local culture.
  • Sample local street food like sambusas or grilled meats to experience authentic Djiboutian flavors.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during hotter months, and take breaks in the shade.
  • Be aware of your belongings in the crowded market.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to experience the market at its most lively.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center (e.g., Place du 27 Juin), Place Rimbaud is easily accessible on foot. Head east, keeping the Hamoudi Mosque's prominent minaret in sight as your landmark. The market is located around the mosque.

  • Public Transport

    Local minibuses are a common and affordable way to reach Place Rimbaud. Look for minibuses heading towards the 'Marché Central' or 'Hamoudi Mosque'. The fare is typically around DJF 50-100. Be prepared for crowded conditions.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available throughout Djibouti City. Request a ride to 'Place Rimbaud' or 'Marché Mahmoud Harbi'. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A ride from Heron to downtown during the day should cost around DJF 500, but can rise to DJF 1,000-1,500 at night. Green TaxiCabs are abundant in the big cities.

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Discover more about Place Rimbaud

Place Rimbaud, now officially Place Mahmoud Harbi, is more than just a market; it's a vibrant microcosm of Djiboutian society. Located in the heart of Djibouti City's African Quarter, it serves as a meeting point for locals and a captivating introduction for tourists. The square teems with activity, offering a sensory-rich experience with its sights, sounds, and aromas. The towering minaret of the Hamoudi Mosque, Djibouti City's most iconic building, overlooks Place Rimbaud. The market is a sprawling labyrinth of stalls where vendors sell everything from clothing and spices to medicinal herbs and various goods. It is also a crucial transportation hub, serving as the primary minibus station for the city. Exploring Place Rimbaud offers a glimpse into the daily interactions of Djiboutians and their entrepreneurial spirit. Vendors are generally friendly and bargaining is expected. Sampling local street food, like sambusas or grilled meats, is a must. The market provides a tangible link to Djibouti's past and present, offering a deeper understanding of its culture. While craft production isn't a major industry in Djibouti, the market offers souvenirs from neighboring countries like Kenya, Somalia, Yemen and Ethiopia. You can find colorful African garments, wood carvings, Ethiopian coffee, and bead wallets. For those interested in local customs, khat, a legal herbal stimulant, is sold in the central market.

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